Chocolate Boobooks ‘get lost’ in the city

The rescue of two Chocolate Boobook (Ninox randi) owls in Iloilo City took Facebook by storm.

Both were safely turned over to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources–Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO) Iloilo.

It seems odd and pleasant at the same time that these reclusive bird species were recently found in the city.

The first Chocolate Boobook was rescued near Arroyo Fountain across Casa Real (old Iloilo Capitol building) by a Public Safety and Transportation Management Office (PSTMO) member. It suffered a broken wing.

The second one was initially turned over to barangay officials of Brgy. Inday, City Proper by the security guard of Uptown Place.

The first rescued Chocolate Boobook was treated by PENRO Iloilo’s Forest Technician (FT) II Llane A. Orale. The two birds are now in the custody of PENRO Iloilo.

What forced nocturnal creatures to show up in the city?

“They may be searching for food since there are many in the city – rats. They are also natural pest controller,” according to Godfrey Jakosalem of the Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation, Inc. (PBCFI).

Jakosalem identified the birds via photos sent to his Facebook messenger.

He said these birds inhabit the lowland forests but also thrive in urban areas where there are parks. Like other birds, trees are their home.

The Chocolate Boobook is a Panay species of Hawk Owl used to be classified as subspecies of the Brown Hawk Owl (Ninox scutulata) along with Northern Boobook (Ninox japonica).

But the three had been elevated into full species status and were added to the list of endemic owls found in the country, according to the Bird Life International website.

The bird’s name must have been taken from its chocolate brown feathers.

Under DENR Department Administrative Order No. 2019-09, the Chocolate Boobook is listed as one of Vulnerable (VU) bird species in the country, with its population on the decreasing trend.

The bird can be found in most major Philippine islands except Palawan.

Many people attributed the presence of these owls to the silence in the city due to the COVID-19 lockdown.

The lockdown may have encouraged the birds to roam around since it is quieter now and much darker at night.

“It is amazing to know that we have these fascinating owls in our trees within the city. It would do us good to really take care of our trees in our parks or plazas that served as their homes. The presence of Chocolate Boobooks in Iloilo City might be an indicator that our biodiversity here is still in good shape,” DENR 6 Regional Executive Director Francisco E. Milla Jr. said.